Tech & Rights

Terrorist Anders Behring Breivik Loses Human Rights Battle

Strasbourg judges have rejected a complaint brought by Anders Behring Breivik, who murdered 77 people and bombed Oslo in 2011.

by PILP
Norway's prisons, like Halden Prison, seen here, are well known for their comfort and humane living conditions.

The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a complaint by Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik against the conditions of his detention in Norway.

Kept in isolation

In its decision in the case, which was brought under the applicant’s new name of Fjotolf Hansen as Hansen v. Norway (application no. 48852/17), the European Court of Human Rights, sitting as a Committee of three judges, declared the application inadmissible. The decision is final.

The applicant was convicted in August 2012 of killing 77 people and wounding 42 others at a political youth rally and by setting off a car bomb in Oslo in July 2011. He was sentenced to 21 years of preventive detention.

He challenged the conditions of his detention, particularly his being kept isolated from other prisoners, before the domestic courts.

No detention violations

Ultimately, the High Court of Norway found in an appeal case that there had been no violations of his rights under Article 3 (prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading torture) or Article 8 (right to privacy and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

In its decision today, the Strasbourg court found that its examination of the case did not reveal any violations of the convention, and rejected the application as inadmissible for being manifestly ill-founded.

Donate to liberties

Your contribution matters

As a watchdog organisation, Liberties reminds politicians that respect for human rights is non-negotiable. We're determined to keep championing your civil liberties, will you stand with us? Every donation, big or small, counts.

We’re grateful to all our supporters

Your contributions help us in the following ways

► Liberties remains independent
► It provides a stable income, enabling us to plan long-term
► We decide our mission, so we can focus on the causes that matter
► It makes us stronger and more impactful

Your contribution matters

As a watchdog organisation, Liberties reminds politicians that respect for human rights is non-negotiable. We're determined to keep championing your civil liberties, will you stand with us? Every donation, big or small, counts.

Subscribe to stay in

the loop

Why should I?

You will get the latest reports before anyone else!

You can follow what we are doing for your rights!

You will know about our achivements!

Show me a sample!